Going into Labor - East Providence,RI

Just try to relax, which is easier said than done. I was induced with my first one because I was a week over due and I had her in 4hours with an epidural. My second I walked around 3cm dilated for 2weeks and then she came with in 30min. with no pain medication. I just prayed and everything went fine. I would advise not watching baby story cause they sugar coat it and then some episodes are horrible. Everybody's experience is different. Hang in there and I'm sure everything will work out. Be positive and the key to labor relax(as much as possible). congratulations on your little one and the arrival soon! the joy of your little one will be well worth the pain. Believe me I don't like pain can't stand it but I got through it and it was a joy to see my little one.

the epidural is a great thing for the pain if you have time to use it with my first by the time the drug doctor got to my room and gave the meds it was to late for them to help and with my second child she came so quickly i didnt have time to get any drugs so the first time the doctor asks if you want drugs tell him yes with labor you never know how fast its going to go.

wow i'm so excited to here that you soon, going to bring a beautiful human being in the world, to be honest with you the labor pain does hurt, contraction is not good at all, i was scared myself but when it was happening, i just went through it and i love it. keep your head up, it is a wonderful expericence, i got mines induce, nothing really bad, or nothng at all happens, it pretty cool the whole pregnancy thing is beautiful, just the labor, sucks but you will make it , stay up walk around alot do crunches, if you can have sex, do so, do alot of them semen soften the membrance that holding the baby in. good luck girlfriend

Hi S.,

I know exactly how you feel!! I am 25 years old and pregnant with my first, due December 3rd.

I am the WORST when it comes to coping with pain. Even all the blood work that you have to do when you become pregnant, I would put it off to the last possible moment just because I hate getting my blood drawn that much!!!

I know I am def. going to need an epidural, but have you seen the size of that needle? Its like a turkey baster!!

I just finished my birthing classes this past Saturday. The first class I attended, I was so nervous that as soon as she dismissed us, I ran out and left my purse! We had to drive back to go get it.

But after my second class, even though it was still not reassuring on the whole pain side of things, knowing how my body works and what will be happening in there sure does help! Have you attended birthing classes? KNowing the why's put my mind to rest a little.

Also, I have a friend who was 10 weeks ahead of me, also pregnant with her first. We had the same doctor, delivering in the same hospital. And she just had her baby 4 days ago. She had to be induced. She did recieve the epidural, but she put my mind to rest. She said it was painful, but described contractions as a combo of horrible menstrual cramps and like when you have a wicked charlie horse in your calf, if feels like that in your abdomen. But You have extreem pain with a contraction, and as soon as that contraction is over, there is no pain at all. I didn't know that until my birth class. I thought it was like 14 hours of exreem pain. Not so. And the longest contraction will last for only 90 seconds. It helps knowing that there is an end to the pain and you can rest!

When you get an epidural as well, she said that first they give you a local anistisia (sp?) and it numbs that spot. So the worst you feel is like a 2 second bee sting. Thats it! Then they give you the epidural and oh Baby! No more pain! She actually laughed her way through delivery! The doctor would tell a joke then apologize and say, "You can't laugh! Your pushing the baby out and your not ready to push yet".

That put my mind at ease!! And after its all done, you are sore and such, but its ok. You have your baby so you don't care!

I know thats its scary! I am right there with you! But knowing why your in pain, what is happening to your body and your baby and knowing that there is a pain relief and it can go smoothly is very encouraging! I think that both of us will be suprised by the streangth you suddenly find that you have to deal with it. Not knowing is the scariest part. But when its finally here, you will find its the most natural thing and that you can actualy do this!

Good luck!!

I'm not sure if you had the baby yet, but if not, The way you're feeling is so normal. Of course you're nervous, this is a life altering event. You don't know what to expect because you have never experienced anything like this before. All I can say is that everyone's experience varies no matter what anyone says. When the time comes, you will be fine. Things will come naturally and just try to think of your precious gift in your arms. Girl, I'm not going to lie to you-- it hurts. The only reason I'm telling you this is because others sugar coated it for me and it was totally different than what I expected. Just keep in mind all of the women in history, and in our families who have given birth before you. Plus, sometimes we don't know just how strong we are until we forced to be. You will be fine, I promise. Be excited and try to rest now as much as you can.

O.k. let's be real here. This is quite possibly the worst pain you are ever going to be in, in your life. HOWEVER, once they place that baby in your arms it's all gone. When you go on vacation, do you focus on the road trip on the way, or the fun you'll have when you get there? It's the same thing. You just have to focus on the end point, not the trip that brings you there. The labor only last a short time (in the grand scheme of things), what happens afterward lasts a lifetime. Because of your fear of pain, have the epidural. You won't feel a thing. Talk to your doc about your concerns. You don't have to wait to have your drugs. You can ask for them at anytime.

hi S.,
i definety wouldnt get induced if i were you. some women take weeks to dialate and some only hours. when the baby is ready you will know. i was due on dec 13 and went into labor at 12:30 in the morning the the 11. i had my son at 4:04 am that same day... but i dialated so fast by the time i got to the hospital my contractions were 1 1/2 minutes apart and i was 7 cm dialated... i didnt even have time to get an epidural and only got some demeral which let me tell u doesnt really help with the pain. but just knowing your about to see your child for the first time makes all that worth it. thats all you have to focuse on is that and youll do fine. as for the baby story,,, i was obsessed with that show too.. and i think its fine to watch it just keep in mind all births are different and i say enjoy the show. i loved it.
good luck
B.

I was enduced with both my pregnancies and nothing bad happened.When I had my girls it felt like overwhelming happiness...There is nothing like being a mother....giving birth...its amazing. Don't get me wrong it does hurt but you will forget about all that pain when you see your beautiful newborn.

There's nothing wrong with getting your labor induced; mine's was induced because I was in labor for 3 days and was going to work, etc., because I didn't realize that my water broke since it was when I went to the bathroom. All I had assumed was that I drank a lot, that was why I peed so much, LOL! Anyways - to be honest, you will be anxious up until the baby is out of you, since this is your first one. Once the child is born, you will get a WHOLE NEW brand of anxiety on top of that. To be honest, you know what I did, I had a one hour psychiatric consultation that the hospital offered, and the woman I met with was amazing because she broke down to me the meaning of post-partem depression. It was great because when I went home, I was able to recognize the signs. And, most health insurance will cover it, but if my health insurance didn't cover it, it was $100, and to be honest, it was worth it, and it calmed my anxiety. It's funny, I was fine all up until the birth, it was the after effects that threw me for a loop. Worrying about taking care of the baby, am I going to drop him, what if I run out of diapers, how am I able to support him, what if my milk dries up, and then...oh my God, what if I raise a child who turns into a bully. I mean, hahaha! The nature of motherhood. Plus, keep in mind that every woman's birth is different from another. By watching all of those pregnancy tapes will not prepare you for your own experience. My son was out in 10 minutes of pushing, whereas other folks have had longer pushing periods that resulted in the child being breached and then an emergency C-Section take place. I am sure other Moms will offer advice, but seeing a psychiatrist really helped me. And you know what was great, she started off the session with us laughing. She said, "Just want you to know, what your going through is normal, and your not crazy." She repeated the "Your not crazy" speech quite a few times, and it eased my nerves, because I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Good luck!

S. you will be just fine dont worry the nursing staff at the hospital you are delivering at will be there to help you and coach you along and if you have any questions just ask them is all that is what they are there for really i was scared too i had my dd at 34 weeks i went in for a reg ck up and they realized that i had pre eclampsia so they rushed me down to labor and delivery and to think SCARED omg i didnt know what was going on to tell you the truth they started to induce me right away i didnt know what was going on at all but the staff was great and any ??? just ask them second baby i had at 36 weeks different hospital in a birthing room it was really nice and they were so caring Just ask the nurses they are so very helpful its scarey but when your in labor alls you can think about is getting the little one out safe and sound is all i am not sure if you ck into pain med during labor and stuff i had the nubane shots and a epidural with my first cause i was in 19 hrs of labor but with my second i didnt have nothing at all i was in almost 4 hrs hard labor it was much better with out the pain meds if u can handle pain but if you cant then i suggest pain meds dont worry it will all be ok its NOT Like on the shows i loved to watch them shows too i still do but dont go by the shows cause it is some what different they make it look so easy and people arent in pain dont believe that at all and any feeling u get that you dont think is normal or right please call you dr right away cause u never know i didnt and i was having contractions at 21 and 22 weeks along with both my pregnancies if something dont feel right call dr ......just some thoughts for ya it will be all fine though it really happends so fast when the little one is ready to come out i just listened to the drs and nurses is all they were great :)

I really believe that when youre past the fear and just ready for that baby to come, its really when your body lets go and you go into labor(I finally got over my fear 2 weeks before my son came and he was born the day before his due date). Theres no reason to be scared really because millions and millions of woman have done it since the beginning of time and have lived through it and you will too. The whole time i was in labor with my son I thought "Its only temporary" and its true-this is not going to last forever- only hours and then you finally GET TO MEET YOUR BABY!!
The best thing you can do right now for yourself, is walk and clear your head-itll not only relax you but help you through labor or even go looking around(or shopping for last minutes) at babies r us and exite yourself for this new person. If it scares you more to watch birth-dont watch it, theres no reason to psych yourself out more then you already are. Just look at labor as a part of meeting your new little person and youll definitely be amazing!

Try not to think about it, and YES turn OFF TLC. It won't help you. That is not realistic childbirth anyway. They cut out the stuff that would scare you lol. Yes it hurts, but when you have that baby in your arms after you do forget. I admit, with my first it took almost a year to even think about maybe having #2. #2 came when #1 was 2 1/2 and I enjoyed the experience so much more knowing what was going to happen and the outcome. Just remember that there are so many different kinds of pain relief out there, and don't think twice about it. I LOVED my epidural, and with my second I "ordered" one the day I had my first OB appt LOL. However my daughter had different plans, and by the time the labor pains came, it was too late and she was coming, so it was au natural.
Just hang in there. Millions of women do this, you aren't the first to freak out, and you will come out of it with a beautiful baby! Good luck

When I had my daughter I went past my due date and had a set date to be induced. I ended up going into labor the day i was going to be induced. I also had heard storys of women being induced and was not thrilled about having to go thru that if i had to. My feelings towards the end of the pregnancy was only 1 person knew when the baby was going to come for sure and that was the baby. I watched TLC as well, I had an epidural and all in all for my first time the labor went well. I went into the hosptial about 5:30 - 6:00pm and had my wonderful daughter 5am the next morning. The nervousness and anxiety are normal feelings because it is a new situation scary and exciting all at once. Wishing you all the best in your up coming special day...

Hey Stacey...
I was in the same boat in May. I was 1 centimeter dialated for 2 weeks and my doctor actually offered the same thing! I decided against inducing until after my due date, but I ended up going into labor all on my own exactly one week early. Labor was actually not that bad for me. I did have an epidural when I was about 4-5 centimeters and it really made the pain very bearable. Actually the pain totally disappeared for 2 hours and then I just felt intense pressure when I was ready to push. The breathing that I learned in class really helped, too. You'll get through it...we all do! Also, do what you want to do as far as pain management - don't feel bad one way or another or let anyone influence your decision. I knew that I wanted an epidural...my husband was a little concerned about any side effects. We ended up going to a little class explaining the whole process and any effects. Afterwards we were both very comfortable with the decision to have one! I'm very glad I had one because it made the delivery much more enjoyable. But that's just me!
Remember, after all that hard work you get the most rewarding gift of all - you'll fall in love instantly!

Best of luck!

I was in the exact same boat when my son was born. For one thing TURN OFF TLC. Don't watch it. It just makes it worse. I actually ended up hiring a hypnobirthing coach and the things she told me, along with the relaxation techniques helped me so much. In the end I did end up having a natural child birth but it wasn't by choice.

I won't say that I was thrilled as soon as my son was handed to me. In all honesty I was scared shitless and I was totally exhusted and I had no idea what to do with him. That sounds horrible, but it's the truth. I mean after 36 hours of labor, 7 hours of pushig, 8 lbs 14 oz and no epidural or drugs.. i was BEAT. The best things to keep in mind are

1) You have no choice. You can't keep the kid in there, and honestly, the discomfort of being this far along, probably means you wouldn't want to. LOL.

2) This is the most empowering moment of your life. You are physically doing something that will honestly feel totally impossible. When you are done, not only do you have a beautiful baby, but you also have the knowledge that you accomplished one of the hardest tasks on earth.

3) I know this will suck, but it doesn't end at labor. In fact, the pain of labor is one of the easiest things you will have to endure as a mother. When your going on your 5th day of no sleep, when you arguing with your mother for the 18th time about what is best, when your up all night cleaning up puke and crying your eyes out cause your exhausted and you can't make your baby better, THAT is when it gets hard.

As a mother you learn a whole new part of life. You learn a love that you had no idea existed and you learn just how much you can push yourself when you love someone that much. I won't lie, it sucks. But just keep in mind that you are doing something that women have been doing for years and you are doing something that will make you a stronger person and a stronger woman in the end.

It will be okay.

I have two daughters 3 & 4. Relax! You'll know when it's time. Labor is progressive. Your body will ease you into it centimeter by centimeter. Take something if they offer it to you, so you can rest. You'll be very tired the first few weeks.

M. Knoll
Hamburg, NY
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Hey S.,
I am a mother of a 6 1/2 month old girl. I am the queen of anxiety and I am afraid of everything. I watched every show and read every book. I was scared. I did get induced 1 1/2 weeks early. Partly my choice. I couldnt wait. But I did start having contractions the night before I was induced so I think it would have happened either way.
Anyway, when the time came I had this calmness come over me. I figured there really wasnt any other way. I did not want a C-Section. I had to do this. When I was induced the contractions came on instantly. My nurse suggested an epidural early, mostly because there were 5 other women delivering and she wasnt sure when I would be able to get it. I felt nothing until the very end. Not even a contraction. My labor was 13 hours and 2 1/2 hours of pushing. I got tired and thought I couldnt do it anymore. But every time I thought that, I would think of this baby I was going to have. I was going to be a Mommy. And I started to get excited. My husband was a great help. He helped me through.
I am not going to be one of those people that say that you forget the pain, because you wont forget the pain. But at that point you dont care how much pain there is, you want to see that little face and it makes it all worth it in the end. When those eyes look at you for the first time, that is the look you will never forget.

I remember how scared I was when I had my first born. There is nothing really to prepare you for the pain but no need to have a panic attack, I wont lie to you it hurts like a son of a gun lol BUT when you see that little buddle of joy being born and they pass it to you after birth you will forget what you have just been through and think WOW that was worth it all!! Everything will come natural as it goes along and you wont be alone when I was in labor the Drs and nurses were wonderful and you can express to them how nervous you are they will understand and help you through it thats their job and thats what they are trained to do. Haveing a baby was one of the happiest days of my life! Shes 21 now and she is still my baby she hates it when I say that but when you get there u will know what Im saying. Just relax and enjoy the experience you will do fine I promise and remember when you are nervous and anxious the baby feels that even in ur womb so try to relax and enjoy the moment. Good luck and congrats!!

Hi S.-
I completely agree...don't watch A Baby Story!!!! I never watched any of those birthing programs during my pregnancy. I used to watch them before I became pregnant and I do watch them now. I can't really speak from too much experience as I went into labor at home around 10 pm. Called the doctor to let them know. Got to the hospital at 11:29 pm and had him at 11:37 pm. The only advice I can give you is that once your labor starts, all you are going to concentrate on and want to do is get that baby out! Everybody's birth is completely different, so I would keep the Baby Story stories out of your mind. Good luck and congratulations!

Hi S.~ STOP watching baby story!!! Evryone's experience is so different. And I also find that everyone screams on that show. It looks scary. Every labor is different. I had pain meds for one and managed fine with next without any. You never know. Just do what is right for you. When the time comes to have your baby, you will be amazed at how you know what to do. Dont worry you will be okay. I agree with waiting rather than inducing. Might want to see if your body will move along more naturally in the next week! Good luck and congratulations!

Hi S.,
relax, easier said than done right? are you going natural and or requesting an epidural. i recommend an epidural. it is such a great thing to have. the pain is great but well worth it. the pain is managable depending on your circumstance. do not get induced becuase the pain can be much stronger with the contractions. let nature take it's corse unless other problems occur. That show on tlc is awesome but it deosn't tell the real story of labor and delivery. tlc makes these women look like a million dollars and when your pushing that baby out i guarantee your hair and makeup are not going to be perfect. sit back relax and enjoy what is left of your pregnancy. whatever happens it well all be worth it in the end. good luck w/b if you need too

about me. i am 29 ahve 2 sons 10 yrsold and 2 months old. i am back to work part time and or as needed. i work in pediatrics as a medical assistant.

kelly

I was induced for both of my pregnancies. The first one becasue I was overdue and my water broke but I was not dilating. The second one because I was overdue and my Doctor was going to be on call that day and I wanted him to deliver me. Everything went fine for me. As for the pain, if you are going natural I can't really help, I went with the drugs, it really took the edge off the pain and made the whole experience for me much easier to tolerate. (Real woman use druge too, it doesn't make you less of a woman or less of a mom cause you didn't go natural.) And at the end when you have your baby, you can't really remember the pain, and would do it all over again in a minute. What really helps is focusing on breathing and finding a focal point to concentrate on, I looked at my sisters nose, wierd I know but it helps. Good Luck and Congratulations.

Your dr. wants to induce you already??? When I was preg. I was only 1/2cm on fri. 12/6, and I was due on the 8th. I thought I was going to go over, but low and behold, I broke my water that next day on the 7th!! I didn't have any contractions and had to be induced, I broke my water at 11am (was still only 1/2cm when I arrived at the hospital) and gave birth at 10:30 that night. By about 7:00 I was like 5cm, and then by 9 I was 7. I tried my best to go drug free, only problem was I have gad back problems since I was 16, and the contractions were making my back lock up, and I couldn't deal with them anymore. At 7 cm I had the epidural, and everything flew by after that. I felt the pressure at around 10:25 and she was out 5 min. later!! Once I had the epidural, I felt no pain, I think my daughter's father was feeling the pain more than me... he was so worried asking if I was hurting at all, I was even holding up my leg myself, because he was too scared to push it up high enough and hurt me. Well... good luck!!!

I was induced twice with my daughter. They started to induce me at CVMC in Berlin but then decided because I was high risk, I would be better off at Fletcher Allen so they stopped my induction and I had to wait the weekend before going back, meanwhile I had contractions from the induction the rest of that day and part of the next. When I finally went back she was a few days late and they started the induction again. I wont lie, the contractions can get painful but the one thing that really helped was the breathing they teach you in childbirth class. I closed my eyes and did the breathing everytime a contraction came along, I wasnt going to get any pain meds, I wanted to do it natural but the nurses said I needed to rest so I had an epidural which isnt that bad either, I was more freaked out about that than anything else. I ended up having a cesarean because my daughter wasnt handling the contractions well and I wasnt dilating much. It was the best experience of my life and to see my baby for the first time made it so worth it. Just imagine a really bad cramp..thats what they feel like Good Luck, motherhood is the best job in the world